A week of wonder

I've had the most amazing week! On Tuesday I was very lucky to be part of a very special trip to Kyoto that was organized by my wonderful sensei. We visited this gorgeous temple in the mountains at the outskirts of the city where we saw the location of the first green tea plantation in Japan. We got to try a cup and after that had beautiful lunch by the water. We then went into the city to experience a Maiko and Geisha dance performance at the theatre in Gion which was mesmerizing, especially the finale. We were very lucky to have absolutely perfect weather and we even got to experience the last of the Sakura blossoms in the city.

On Friday we got up really early and drove to Tateyama on the other coast, to travel the Alpen Route.  We got to see the 16m high snow wall, enormous ancient cedar trees and mind blowingly stunning views. We walked around on the top of Tateyama mountain in a complete whiteout until an opening in the clouds revealed the gorgeous winter landscape and we took a bath in the highest onsen of Japan which made us smell like sulphur all day. Traveling this gorgeous route was truly a once in a lifetime experience, if you ever have a chance to visit I would definitely recommend it, it has truly one of the most beautiful things we have seen here in Japan. 

Spring and special projects

Hikone Castle

Sakura season is a big deal in Japan, the blooming is predicted months in advance and Sakura forecasts are broadcasted on the news nation wide. Here in Nagoya the trees were predicted to start blooming around March 22, but of course, the trees don't care about any of this. Early spring has been a bit colder this year so the flowers were not so eager to come out and play. On March 22 they were still nicely bundled up in their buds and we were left waiting.

An advantage of the colder weather is that the flowers actually last a little longer this year so we've had plenty of time to enjoy their beauty, Hanami (flower viewing) parties with friends, evening strolls along Sakura lined rivers and fairytale like views of ancient castles, Sakura season in Japan is truly magical!

While all that beauty is going on outside, inside my studio I have been busy creating some beauties of my own. I'm working on a very special collaboration project with Theatre Iridescence, a local theatre company here in Nagoya. I'm creating a very special, interactive piece for their 2019 production 'Speaking in Tongues' which will be performed at the Chikusa Playhouse 千種文化小劇場 on June 7-9, for detailed information about the show and how to get tickets visit their website.

On Saturday we had a wonderful evening celebrating the opening of 'Journey' a group exhibition at Gallery White Cube here in Nagoya. If you didn't have a chance to join us on Saturday the exhibition runs until April 21st so there is still plenty of time to visit. The exhibition features works of 10 talented artists from different countries and backgrounds with diverse art practices. It is an effort to present another perspective from the outside world, by different individuals living in the same environment in Japan. 

The exhibition is free and open to the public so please don't hesitate to visit! 
Gallery hours are as follows: 
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Closed
Thursday April 18th - Sunday 21st 1 - 5pm

Click here for gallery location.

Exhibition announcement: Journey at Gallery White Cube in Nagoya.

From April 11-21, 2019 I will be exhibiting my work together with 9 talented artists from different countries, will exhibit our works together at Gallery White Cube in Nagoya, Japan. This unique exhibition, titled ‘Journey’, narrates the journey of artists from different countries and backgrounds with diverse art practices. It is an effort to present another perspective from the outside world, by different individuals living in the same environment in Japan. 

On Saturday, April 13th we are inviting everyone to join us at the gallery from 6-8pm for a small celebration, snack and drinks will be served! For more information check out the event page.

'Journey' runs from April 11-21. Both the opening night event and the exhibition are free and open to the public so please invite your friends! 

Gallery opening hours:

Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday ClosedThursday April 11 - Sunday April 14th: 1 - 7pm Thursday April 18th - Sunday 21st 1 - 5pm